I fondly remember piling as many friends as possible into one car, getting ready to hit the road on a twelve-plus hour ride for that long-anticipated Spring Break. Music was key to our road trip, so we had the strains of Steely Dan's My Old School playing loudly, proud that our college had a mention, even if it was "oh, no, William and Mary won't do"! 

Spring breakers now are going farther, and flying, rather than driving, to get to their desired destinations. So instead of Tom Cochrane's Life is a Highway, it's now Lenny Kravitz' anthem, I want to get away, I want to Fly Away. And what better destination than Northern California? You have the City by the Bay (Journey, anyone?), Olympic slopes and world-class wineries, all within a few hours of each other.

Going to San Francisco..

Flying into San Francisco, CA is a smart and often budget-friendly choice - SFO airport offers the most convenient connections from most areas of the country. And it's a great place to start Spring Break, with a dose of international culture. If you're feeling touristy, try Alcatraz, but book the ferry tickets several weeks ahead. Instead of the T-shirt sales on Fisherman's Wharf, or malls featuring nation-wide chains, try the unique shops in the Haight-Ashbury district, possibly following Scott McKenzie's advice to wear some flowers in your hair. From here, it's an easy walk to Golden Gate Park, with its picnic areas, flower gardens, and museums.

As dusk falls over the city, pick a spot that gives you a view of the glow of the Golden Gate Bridge, either in the Marina or on Pier 39. Just remember that in the early spring months after nightfall, a warm restaurant or bar with a view may be preferable to Otis Redding's perch directly On the Dock of the Bay. Once the fog rolls in, you'll have plenty of time to pick one of many hot spots in the North Beach district, featuring Italian fare and night clubs.

Skiing in North Lake Tahoe

Just three hours away via I-80, snow awaits. For a larger group, consider renting a house in Truckee or Tahoe City for the best value and plenty of space. On the Nevada side, where gambling is legal, there are condo rentals in Incline Village. Another alternative is Squaw Valley, which features a village with various types of accommodations, plus restaurants, boutiques, galleries, free live outdoor music performances, and a very short walk to the slopes of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Plus, in the many neighboring ski resorts, you can have a different daily experience of, as U2 declared, Vertigo, whizzing down the mountain. Or, if you're like me, there are many intermediate runs to choose from. For an even slower speed, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also near-by options.

If you've had enough of battling your way through snowdrifts, let someone else take you for a ride. The Tahoe Gal boat tour takes you for a spin directly on Lake Tahoe, letting you get close to the deep blue waters. When you arrive back in Tahoe City, have dinner right on the lakefront, or head to Truckee for a rustic, Western-style evening. To relax sore muscles, massages are available at resorts, or as in-room services

Sonoma - California's Wine Country

On the way backfrom Lake Tahoe, stop by Sonoma Valley for a wine tasting or two. Or three. The Russian River wine road has dozens of options. Choose one large winery that offers a tour to see the winemaking process, then opt for the small, little-known wineries to taste the diversity of this wine region; there is more than just, as UB40 tells us in Red, Red Wine, there are also many white varietals to choose from. Most tasting rooms are housed in unique buildings and surrounded by colorful gardens. Then come full circle by heading south on Highway 101 and cross the Golden Gate back into the city.

So, are you ready for Spring Break? Pack your bags, pick your tunes, and in the words of Frankie Goes to Hollywood: "Relax!"

This musical interpretation of a symphonic spring break was orchestrated by Birgit Starmanns.

If this California trip itinerary struck a chord with you, gather a few back up singers, and start planning your spring vacation in Northern California now. You'll find hip lodging in the Bay Area, with choices ranging from hilltop apartments to swanky studio lofts, and even spacious waterfront homes for rent. If skiing Sierra cement is more your style, or just hanging out and having fun in Lake Tahoe, look for a vacation condo or house to rent near the slopes and nightlife. If the mood strikes you in Sonoma, turn to one of these vacation cottages in wine country.

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